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From the editor’s desk

By Terri Simon

June 9, 2014

I wish I had some kind of prolific or prophetic items to share with you today, but I don’t. I am completely drained of most any emotion I could muster. Go figure? It’s just one of those days, I guess. If we can both get through this column, maybe we’ll all feel better ... I wouldn’t hold your breath, though. Ha! But down to business ...

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Three Bureau County schools are nodding goodbye to the youthful faces that entered their doors every day. Per our continuing coverage and Saturday’s front page story, you know Cherry Grade School is closing its doors, as its students and staff make their way to Dimmick Grade School in LaSalle County. I have cousins who have and still attend Dimmick, and I know the students/staff from Cherry will fit right in and continue to enjoy a good educational experience.

Also, the students/staff from Lincoln in Spring Valley are headed to John F. Kennedy School, and the students/staff from Reagan in Tiskilwa are going to Logan. Transitions are never easy, but I have a lot of faith in the staffs at all of these schools, who will ultimately help make the change easier for the students.

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Speaking of school, the final school bell has rung in Bureau County. Summer vacation is upon us. Aaahhh ... remember when? What I wouldn’t give for a three-month summer vacation! Enjoy every moment!

Summer vacation also brings many children who are out and about — playing, running, biking, having the time of their young lives. As adults, it’s up to us to remember these children might not always use the best judgment when it comes to crossing streets or watching out for vehicles. Please allow a few extra minutes during your travels and stay vigilant.

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I just saw the final draft of Illinois Valley Living Magazine before it heads to the press. I know you’re going to really enjoy this edition. Let me know what you think. It won’t be long now ...

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I noticed lots of great and positive items in last week’s BCRs. Here are a few things that really caught my eye:

• The VanAutreves have created a fun place for area youth to hang out above their Johnson’s Carpet store on North Main Street in Princeton. It’s a place were teens can listen to music, get a free meal, watch movies, play games and more. What a great endeavor! I hope area teens take advantage of this facility, created just for them.

• I attended the Princeton Elementary School retirement open house for their 11 retiring teachers, who collectively have 275 years of teaching experience. Like many other educators who are retiring this year, their expertise will be greatly missed. If you know of a retiring teacher, give them a big round of applause.

• It looks like three summer lunch programs are being set up for area youth in Princeton, Spring Valley and DePue to make sure children have an ongoing healthy meal during the summer months when children and teens are not receiving meals at their schools. The idea of a hungry child is so disheartening. I applaud the folks who are making these programs work.

• Sophia Suarez of Princeton has been chosen to play in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am in July. Wow! What an honor for one of our best high school golfers. From what I understand, only one high school girl and boy are chosen to participate, and Suarez got the official nod. This is a huge deal! Way to go, Sophia!

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Thought for this week: “It doesn’t matter who my father was: it matters who I remember he was.” Anne Sexton.

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This weekend is Father’s Day. I hope you are all able to honor the men in your lives who make a difference. Take some time to tell those guys how special they are to you. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.